Spending in Detroit

The spending at the Public Library system is so out of hand that the FBI is involved. From the Detroit Free Press:

FBI agents raided Detroit Public Library over allegations of contract fraud
This time, it�s about scamming the Detroit Public Library.

The federal government�s ongoing probes into public corruption landed today on the doorsteps of the city�s main library branch, where FBI agents raided the historic landmark over allegations of contract fraud.

�There may be an individual who awarded contracts for personal gain. And if that is the case, it is a total violation of the public trust,� Jonathan Kinloch, president of the Detroit Library Commission, told the Free Press.

According to Kinloch, the contracts involve two technology firms that were hired for at least $2 million to update the library�s computer systems. A library official allegedly had ties to at least one of the contractors, and benefited personally from the million-dollar deals, he said.

And it's not just this:

Kinloch also noted today�s raid, conducted before the library opened at noon, had nothing to do with the $1,000-a-piece trash cans that were purchased for a library wing renovation project in 2010.

While the pricey trash cans raised eyebrows � given the layoffs and continued financial woes of the library � Kinloch said the stainless steel garbage bins do not appear to be under federal scrutiny.

Kinloch did say, however, that the the garbage cans, along with the library�s new $1,000-a-piece designer lounge chairs, have triggered the need for more oversight of library management. While the general contractor purchased both items without any permission, he said, library officials ultimately signed off on the expense.

�That, unfortunately, is one of the waters that is under the bridge,� Kinloch said. �It continues to stand out as it relates to reasons why we need to have a total review of management at the library.�

Excuse me but Kinloch is the president of the Detroit Library Commission. It is his job to monitor stuff like this. He should have walked through the new wing before it opened and asked pointed questions like this -- he should have been present when the designs were being signed off. For him to say that things will be better managed in the future is a fscking joke.